Winter Lights at the Arboretum!

by Brandi King

Christmas time conjures up a sense of magic in people. The excitement of absolutely sourcing the BEST gifts for the people you love and those familiar holiday songs, remixed by someone from literally any genre you can think of. The parties and gatherings with cherished ones which yields too many of the “Oh, I shouldn’t, but I will have my 8th cookie tonight” situations. And then there’s the lights which brighten up these dark, chilly nights and dazzle beneath the sky, for one time of the year, mirroring the wonder of the stars.

And when you’re really jonesin for a good light show, The Winter Lights at the Arboretum in Southwest Asheville (just off the Blue Ride Parkway!) is a guaranteed symphony for the senses. It’s one of the closest things we’ll get to walking in a galaxy, albeit a very specific holiday themed galaxy… Anyway, before we get too deep into outer space metaphors here, let me jump in and share with you some of the best parts of Winter Lights and why my family and I keep going back.

Choo-Choo Cheer for Kids: The Train Sets

Tiny snow-covered villages, miniature trees with twinkling lights, and cruising through the whole display are two classic trains, chugging their way along an expertly crafted, and quite huge railroad track. The Santa Train, of course, hauls presents as its cargo, overloaded and ready to pass out to all the mini children waiting in those small homes with frost-covered windows. The next train is one that carries more mystery and has this way of calling out to it’s human spectators, beckoning us onward to a magical adventure - its the Polar Express. And don’t try to tell me that you’ve never imagined yourself jumping on THAT train?

A Symphony of Lights

Walking up to the Winter Lights, it almost feels like you're walking into a grounded firework show that just keeps going without any pauses or fading. Every corner is decked with color and brilliance. Moving through the labyrinth of lights that seem to dance along to the rhythm of the Christmas music that plays throughout. (Great engineering or a trick of the mind?) Hmm.. It’s easy to get caught up in holiday cheer here, so curmudgeons and grinches beware - the spirit is STRONG around here. Trees laced up with lights to their starry tops, giant light ornaments and little children everywhere ooing, ahhing, and getting psyched for Santa.

Did Someone Say S’mores?

What’s a winter celebration without a few sweet treats? They fill up your souvenir cup with Hot Cocoa that you can enjoy as you walk - or nestle up by the fire pit with. Yes, thank you, I’ll have a couple of those gingerbread man cookies, as well. While I’m snacking cookies, the kids love when they get to start roasting marshmallows over the fire. Put the chocolate and graham cracker sandwich together with the melty mallow and I have some absolutely WIRED and happy children. (Bankin’ on that sugar crash on the way home.)

Whether you’re In Asheville for the holidays, or live here full time, the Winter Lights celebration is definitely a sweet spot to take the family, have a jolly-good-time and get infused with that holiday cheer. So come along, and board this train!